The Mirror's Truth [EP] Review

Release Date: Mar 10, 2008
Label: Nuclear Blast
Genres: Metal
Number Of Tracks: 4
In Flames supply us with a very promising appetiser for what is to come.

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	8.7
Impression:	9.7
Overall rating:	9.1
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	71

overall: 8.7

Featured review by: UG Team, on march 14, 2008

Sound: In Flames fans have been incredibly divided by their output since the new millennium. Their two albums ‘Reroute To Remain’ and ‘Soundtrack To Your Escape’ are continually criticised as being ‘nu metal’ and too commercial, especially when put next to classics like ‘The Jester Race’. However, their last album, 2006’s ‘Come Clarity’ was a definite step back towards their earlier, more melodic sound. So, this single/EP functions as a little taste of what to expect from their upcoming album ‘A Sense Of Purpose’ released next month. The sound is a very interesting one, as it takes the aggressive double-time punch of ‘Come Clarity’ (mostly thanks to Daniel Svensson’s consistently stellar drumming) and the more melodic vocals of ‘Reroute To Remain’, but most interestingly the EP is filled with lead guitar work that was paramount to In Flames’ earlier music. The only track that will appear on the full length, single ‘The Mirror’s Truth’, is defined very much by a highly melodic chorus with an infectious lead guitar melody and a solid vocal line. Similarly, ‘Eraser’ and ‘Tilt’ are filled with brilliant little licks and harmonised riffs that bring together their sounds from across the years. Closer ‘Abnegation’ is an update of the first song fans heard from the band since ‘Come Clarity’, and unfortunately it is still fairly lacklustre but it still boasts a fantastic guitar solo. This EP really shows that In Flames have found a great sound for the band they are today, rather than attempting to copy their early sound or churn out more albums like ‘Soundtrack To Your Escape’. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics from vocalist Anders Fridén haven’t been too strong for a good number of years, but the lyrics here seem to be a big step up from the poor attempts on ‘Come Clarity’. The vocals themselves have also improved. Anders has clearly abandoned his vocal style from the band’s 90’s output but his new style has got better with each album it appears on. It’s still far from ideal but it now suits the music quite well. The single itself features lyrics which seem to be about society and their reaction to political and environment events and with a topic like that the Anders of old could have easily made something very whiny out of it but he does a good job, and it’s very promising. // 7

Impression: This EP is incredibly promising, featuring three outstanding tracks and one mediocre one, which was thankfully left off of the full album. If you’re new to In Flames, this EP isn’t going to be the best introduction, but perhaps the newest full length will be. If you’re a long-time In Flames fan who has given up on them ever making decent music again, you should still check this out because really their new sound has incredible potential and there are moments on all of these songs that could quite easily fit onto albums like ‘Whoracle’ and ‘Colony’. Don’t dismiss this band just yet. // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: sleepwalker16, on march 17, 2008

Sound: In my hands I am holding 'The Mirror's Truth' EP, the taster for what's to come on the new In Flames album, 'A Sense of Purpose'. Three of the songs on this EP won't appear on the upcoming album, and what can I say about that? Get the EP or you're missing out big time. Two out of the three songs, titled 'Eraser' and 'Abnegation' are some of the best work I've seen from the "new" In Flames (Reroute to Remain and on). Those songs possess great guitar work, amazing keyboards that blend in very well, skillful drumming, a few solos, all mixed very well and great sounding. On the other hand, another song that won't appear on the new album, 'Tilt', is better off left out, as it's rather mediocre and sounds much like filler to me, even though it has a few great licks. The last song, 'The Mirror's Truth', will appear on the new album and is neither filler nor great, it's just good. Overall, the sound of this EP is best described as the 'Reroute to Remain' vocals meet the 'Colony' guitars and keyboards, producing some great work. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics on this EP are great, even though they are kinda cheesy at times, take the rhyming in the first verse of 'Abnegation' for example. That doesn't rid them of their appeal, again, I'll use 'Abnegation' as an example, lines 'We believe but we are not free, this wasteland is our prison' and 'This torn land, I'd rather not live here anymore' clearly adress the pollution and waste issue. The problem with the EP is that not all lyrics are published in it, only the ones for 'Abnegation' and 'The Mirror's Truth' are. That's a problem easily solved, thanks to Anders's great pronunciation and vocal style. // 9

Impression: This EP provides me with high hopes, with In Flames producing some of the finest material they produced in years, the new album is bound to be good. This EP is worth spending money on just because of 'Eraser' (the best song on the EP in my opinion) and 'Abnegation', as these tracks won't appear on the new album, and are very good. I can safely say that In Flames have found a great sound, not as good as their old stuff (everything up to Clayman), but much better than the one on their recent efforts. I just hope that they can keep it up on the upcoming album. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: clayman999, on march 14, 2008

Sound: Right from the start, this EP shows why In Flames is still top of the game. Sure you can say they sold out, but not every band can sound the same album to album. This EP continues the trend started with Reroute to Remain and Soundtrack to Your Escape; for better or worse (better, in my opinion) this is the direction they are taking. Right when you press play, you can tell that it is, indeed, In Flames; the signature guitar work is hard to miss. Each song has a different feel; "The Mirror's Truth" is aggressive, with blinding drums, solid bass, amazing guitar (even a small solo thrown in), and it comes together amazingly; "Eraser" brings much the same feel, with a slightly more synthesized feel to it, which In Flames is getting the hang of; "Tilt" has a slightly slower pace to it, but still feels like an IF song; and "Abnegation", I can't say enough good things about this song. While first appearing on Viva La Bands Vol. 2, this is a reworked version of it; slightly different lyrics, better vocals, and an overall tighter feel. I didn't think they could make that song any better, and I was surprisingly shown wrong. This song is so tight, it is easily top 5 among their extensive career, along with Take This Life and Trigger. Unfortunately, only "The Mirror's Truth" will be on their new album, but if this is the stuff that didn't make the cut, I cannot wait to see what they pull out. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Anders Friden has been criticized for changing his vocal styles starting with Colony and Clayman; However, he is now a prime example of a Grade-A vocalist. He hasn't lost any aggressiveness in his singing, and proves with these songs that he can sing a melody or two. His lyrics have shown that he is growing as a songwriter as well; I cannot describe how well thought out and constructed his lyrics are. The vocals are multilayered, allowing for a more focused sound, whether it be raw or melodic. Again, I cannot wait to see what the new album holds in store. // 10

Impression: This, in my opinion, the strongest work In Flames has put out, which is saying a lot, as Come Clarity rarely leaves my CD player. As part of the Melodic Death Metal scene, they have shown an amazing maturation along side their counterparts, Soilwork and Dark Tranquillity (their latest albums also receive heavy, heavy, rotation with me). "Abnegation" has over 100 plays on my iPod in the last 2 weeks, I just cannot get enough of it; The only downsides I find with this EP is that (1) it is not longer, (2) 3/4 songs aren't gonna be on the new album, and (3) the wait for the next 2 weeks until "Sense of Purpose" comes out is going to be even longer. Even at 4 songs and 16 minutes length, I would buy new copies whenever something happened to it. // 10

Comments

[LTDax260]

Yeah! IN FLAMES ROCK ON

[Reviewer Pete]

Le mediocre.

[Lee Mc]

The lyrics from vocalist Anders Fridén haven’t been too strong for a good number of years, but the lyrics here seem to be a big step up from the poor attempts on ‘Come Clarity’.

I disagree. I think the lyrics on 'Come Clarity' are great and quite meaningful. Just look at 'Crawl Through Knives', 'Come Clarity', 'Leeches' and 'Take This Life' (to name a few). I think you can connect with certain aspects of these lyrics which, to me, makes them good lyrics. All good lyrics arnt just about political shit and environmental events.

[messenjah]

i bought this the other day and i have no stopped listening to it since. The title track on this EP has been ringing in my head all day. I love the solo about 1 minute in.

[Haterush]

lame

[+}-136-{+]

I recently got the EP as well, and I agree with the reviews above. If the rest of the album is as good as the EP, then In Flames have got a pretty solid album on their hands.

[Seth Shadows]

I actually cant wait. Good job guys.



...solos still suck though.

[Lasyk]

YES SOME NEW IN FLAMES MATERIAL!!! AND I GET PAID TODAY WOOOOOT!!!! BET U GUYS CAN GUESS WHERE MY MONEYS GOING xD

[clit eastwood]

"Abnegation", I can't say enough good things about this song. While first appearing on Viva La Bands Vol. 2, this is a reworked version of it; slightly different lyrics, better vocals, and an overall tighter feel. I didn't think they could make that song any better, and I was surprisingly shown wrong. This song is so tight, it is easily top 5 among their extensive career, along with Take This Life and Trigger.

are you on crack? or have you just not heard the first 5 albums??

[666Sabbath666]

Heard the single and I thought it sounded a lot like the Come Clarity album, which isn't a bad thing. Definitely looking forward to the new album, and seeing them on Gigantour

[duncang]

Lee Mc wrote:

The lyrics from vocalist Anders Fridén haven’t been too strong for a good number of years, but the lyrics here seem to be a big step up from the poor attempts on ‘Come Clarity’.

I disagree. I think the lyrics on 'Come Clarity' are great and quite meaningful. Just look at 'Crawl Through Knives', 'Come Clarity', 'Leeches' and 'Take This Life' (to name a few). I think you can connect with certain aspects of these lyrics which, to me, makes them good lyrics. All good lyrics arnt just about political shit and environmental events.

IT BURRRRNS
IT RIPS IT HURRRRTTTSSSSS

[jetfuel495]

i like this ep. i hope its a good album

[xXChimairaXx]

I support this guys no matter what they do. I'd have to say that Jester Race/Colony were on another level compared the rest of their more modern stuff. But Come Clarity is a great album, and this will be too.

...Plus, they've managed to make a music video as weird as a Tool video. They got my vote.

[xXChimairaXx]

I support this guys no matter what they do. I'd have to say that Jester Race/Colony were on another level compared the rest of their more modern stuff. But Come Clarity is a great album, and this will be too.

...Plus, they've managed to make a music video as weird as a Tool video. Gigantour is going to be the best concert ever.

[metaldud536]

I liked some of their nu-metal stuff like Evil in a closet. I can relate with their new lyrics.

[whitesummer527]

I support this guys no matter what they do. I'd have to say that Jester Race/Colony were on another level compared the rest of their more modern stuff

yea man Whoracle was awesome too, I have mixed feelings about their new stuff.

[Diablo1986]

For the love of God people, it's not nu-metal... Would you really categorize them in the same genre as Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit? Sheesh. And as far as Anders being a bad lyricist goes, that's just ridiculous. Reroute and Soundtrack had some great stuff.

[False_God]

In Flames fans have been incredibly divided by their output since the new millennium. Their two albums ‘Reroute To Remain’ and ‘Soundtrack To Your Escape’ are continually criticised as being ‘nu metal’ and too commercial, especially when put next to classics like ‘The Jester Race’.

By saying that you opened the door for a pretty crap debate.

[Decadentor]

IN FLAMES=Almoust GODS

[Dream Pin]

I for one enjoyed Soundtrack and Reroute for what they were, rather than comparing them to any of their other albums. Same as I do for other bands.
Yeah, sure there's barely any solos or leads in either of the albums, but sometimes I'm just down for some chugga chugga. Touch Of Red anyone?
Also, I've only heard The Mirror's Truth off this (my friend sent me Disconnected too, which I have to say I prefer) and I can't say I think it's the best thing since sliced bread, but it's solid. The muddy production lets it down a bit.
Looking forward to the new album though.

[jdhinds1234]

where can i get this? fye?

[jdhinds1234]

where can i get this? FYE?

[aznmetalhead93]

jdhinds1234 wrote:

where can i get this? FYE?

i believe it was only released in Europe

[JRowe3388]

This EP is brilliant! I can't wait till this album comes out. The songs I've heard so far are epic. Drenched In Fear FTW!

[duncang]

Dream Pin wrote:

I for one enjoyed Soundtrack and Reroute for what they were, rather than comparing them to any of their other albums. Same as I do for other bands.
Yeah, sure there's barely any solos or leads in either of the albums, but sometimes I'm just down for some chugga chugga. Touch Of Red anyone?
Also, I've only heard The Mirror's Truth off this (my friend sent me Disconnected too, which I have to say I prefer) and I can't say I think it's the best thing since sliced bread, but it's solid. The muddy production lets it down a bit.
Looking forward to the new album though.

There's no muddy production, the Disconnected and Mirror's Truth leaked copies before the EP were radio rips. The production on the EP is just fine.

[clayman999]

Clit Eastwood Said:
are you on crack? or have you just not heard the first 5 albums??

I own all their albums, and each of them is amazing. I, however, was introduced to them through Reroute to Remain, and i happen to like their newer stuff better, that is all. We are all entitled to our opinion.

[AXE187]

I agree with
quote]Reviewer Pete :
Le mediocre.[[/quote]

it will be better than come clarity,
but come clarity was worth while purely for crawl through knives

[lilboisX3]

Decadentor wrote:

IN FLAMES=Almoust GODS

o please they were never that good. they used to be awesome but far from gods

[KJKINFLAMES]

gonna see in flames april 30th and i cant wait to hear there new album ín Toronto!! and well alexi is gonna **** shit up so ahah we will see who become gods that night

[Baronobeefdip]

The first song/video I heard from In Flames was The Quiet Place (the tv ad for Soundtrack along with Drive By Monologue by The Hurt Process who sadly broke up). Even though I started with their newer stuff AND LOVED IT, I HAD TO HEAR their old stuff AND LOVE IT!!!

[Baronobeefdip]

And... Tilt has their old school sound to it (kinda Episode 666-ish).

[serbusfish]

This EP is great but the rework of abnegation is awful, I prefer the original version they did for the viva la bands album, even the second version that was on their myspace wasnt as good as the first one

[0h The Horror]

lilboisX3 :o please they were never that good. they used to be awesome but far from gods

loled.
In Flames are by far one of the greatest metal bands of alllll time. Its a fact.

[In_Flames_ftw]

0h The Horror :

loled.
In Flames are by far one of the greatest metal bands of alllll time. Its a fact.

Truth.

[rebofthetemple]

I like all the songs on this except The Mirror's Truth. In my opinion Tilt or Eraser should've been the single.

[Masonpwiley]

clayman999 wrote:

Clit Eastwood Said:
are you on crack? or have you just not heard the first 5 albums??

I own all their albums, and each of them is amazing. I, however, was introduced to them through Reroute to Remain, and i happen to like their newer stuff better, that is all. We are all entitled to our opinion.

yes, but that isn't anything like In Flames real style. It sounds like Korn. It doesn't have th awesome melodies or intrumental work.

[GoWithTheFlow]

xXChimairaXx wrote:

I support this guys no matter what they do. I'd have to say that Jester Race/Colony were on another level compared the rest of their more modern stuff. But Come Clarity is a great album, and this will be too.

...Plus, they've managed to make a music video as weird as a Tool video. They got my vote.

i dont think anyone can top a tool video. its just not possible

[denbian]

In Flames we trust!

[henkka_potku]

The sound and the riffs are great, I could listen to these songs forever. The vocals are only getting better, because the clean vocal-parts are great and melodic (reminds me of Metaphor). Only thing missing is the proper guitar solos. It would be GREAT to hear some speedpicking riffs, maybe some sweeping mixed with great melodies. This was too short... gotta get the album. Guys, could you close your bittorrent or utorrent for ONCE, and really get the album. It will be worth it.

[Vanhanen]

I like all the songs on this EP, just waiting for the real album now!

[Epic_Name]

Sounds to much like metalcore. puh.
Bring back Whoracle!

[-metalhead-]

Who the hell classifies In Flames as Nu-Metal??!

And Come Clarity was awesome in my opinion.

[Olli616]

Soundtrack and Reroute have Nu-Metal influences but it's still not nu-metal.
I don't like Anders vocals on the new albums. Why doesn't he growl anymore?

[TheDave1552]

Masonpwiley wrote:

clayman999 wrote:

Clit Eastwood Said:
are you on crack? or have you just not heard the first 5 albums??

I own all their albums, and each of them is amazing. I, however, was introduced to them through Reroute to Remain, and i happen to like their newer stuff better, that is all. We are all entitled to our opinion.


yes, but that isn't anything like In Flames real style. It sounds like Korn. It doesn't have th awesome melodies or intrumental work.

Well I wouldn't go that far as to say that they sounded like Korn. To me Korn doesn't have that structured musical feel, but I don't think you can say the same about In Flames. Although I like their old work, I too prefer In Flames' later work based solely on the fact that I was introduced to their later stuff first. In any case, this album is going to kick so much a**, and The Mirror's Truth is just so awesome.

[Scourge441]

I thought Reroute and Soundtrack were decent, but Come Clarity was one of the worst releases of 2006. It didn't sound like older In Flames, it sounded like the multitudes of crappy bands who tried to rip off older In Flames, and I expect A Sense of Purpose to sound exactly the same. Anders isn't a good vocalist anymore, and the band has lost their knack for writing decent songs.

[Lee Mc]

duncang :
Lee Mc wrote:

The lyrics from vocalist Anders Fridén haven’t been too strong for a good number of years, but the lyrics here seem to be a big step up from the poor attempts on ‘Come Clarity’.

I disagree. I think the lyrics on 'Come Clarity' are great and quite meaningful. Just look at 'Crawl Through Knives', 'Come Clarity', 'Leeches' and 'Take This Life' (to name a few). I think you can connect with certain aspects of these lyrics which, to me, makes them good lyrics. All good lyrics arnt just about political shit and environmental events.


IT BURRRRNS
IT RIPS IT HURRRRTTTSSSSS

EXACTALLY!!!!

[DP_SF_DTX_RATM]

YEAH IN FLAMES!!!!

[whatiaminstead]

ive had a love for every In Flames release and have all of them. i can see the style shifting and evolving, and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Come Clarity for me was a HUGE breath of fresh air compared to Reroute and Soundtrack (though i still enjoy them) and i can see Purpose as going back even further. i would really like to see a complete throwback to their twin guitars and real intesnsity again someday though.

[titter]

agreed my man! i am a fan of Jester and subterranean but every album has came out to be a strong sounding album in its own metal niche. much hope for their a return to older and so far its SICK

[Baronobeefdip]

That would be pretty awesome if Anders growled in their new stuff like he did on Whoracle. MMM... Whoracle... And as for Come Clarity, if you think about it, the lyrics encompass the badass and well placed art by Derek Hess.

[Korosu]

This band has lost it. Long live their old stuff. The new stuff is pure shit.

[Piovesan121]

Korosu wrote:

This band has lost it. Long live their old stuff. The new stuff is pure shit.

I agree theyre new stuff is ok but their old stuff is way better

[a7xf@n43v3r]

Cannot wait. Take This Life= awesome.

[lilboisX3]

0h The Horror wrote:

lilboisX3 :o please they were never that good. they used to be awesome but far from gods
loled.
In Flames are by far one of the greatest metal bands of alllll time. Its a fact.

don't you mean were. they used to be a good metal band. but they lost it. how can you compare their early works to now.

[Metalology]

Colony, Whoreacle and The Jester Race are where it's at.

[Insolent]

If 'The Mirror's Truth' is anything to go by, the new album will be a complete cock up. Maybe I'd like their new stuff more if they'd have broke up and reformed under another name, solely because its painful to see the same artist name next to both Whoracle and this.

[total-bogan]

i wanna get this but no shops round me have it in stock :O how could they!

[schnibbel666]

well, i dont really like it. the solos are cool and good, but anything besides them mostly sucks. there is nearly no distortion in the guitars, you dont hear the riffs because the vocals are louder than everything... and the vocals as such - every record before had great vocals, no matter if it was the death metalish jester race stuff or the rather emotional but still great stye or come clarity... but this... sucks?

they surely are still great musicians, i met björn and jesper yesterday and they are cool and stuff... but their new music is (of course) not what they used to make.

[Asset]

In Flames

[lilboisX3]

this album is excruciatingly bad.

[touji-za-nai]

i really dont get why people call soundtrack and reroute nu-metal... it was way to hard to be numetal and had that swedish rythm i love

[Slasher_Sloth]

these new songs sound like they could be weaker songs found on something like Clayman, which is a step in the right direction.

still, they arent the pioneering melo-death artist they used to be.

[Jdfs1]

In Flames We Trust

United States

[D-Fraz35]

I saw 'The Mirror's Truth" on headbangers ball and i didn't really like the song bc it didn't sound like the original In Flames

[joe295159]

come clarity had too much emotional lyrics really and I think it sounded more like metalcore than melodic/alternative death metal

[Under_The_Oath]

In Flames We Trust

[jambi_mantra]

I don't think they are a melodic death band anymore. I love their old stuff, but Reroute was alright, Come Clarity is one of my favourite albums. People need to stop comparing them to their old stuff. They're not that kinda band anymore. I wouldn't mind them going back that way, but seeing as they'll probably retire after this album and tour I'm just happy to see em live.

[The JesterHead]

That's not the thing. They are truly not Melodic Death Metal. They aren't Alternative Metal, or Heavy Metal, or Nu-Metal... They're ---In Flames---, and as soon as you all realise that, and the fact they'll never release albums such as TJR and Whoracle anymore, you'll like the new stuff more. Amen.

[SatanPriest]

I actually like the new EP, at first I didn't know what to expect, but its pretty good. Although its one of their more commercial songs, The Mirror's Truth is my favorite track, and Eraser is right up there with it. Tilt is pretty good, but nothing really stood out to me. Abnegation has good music, but the backing vocals in the chorus just ruin it for me, I can't even listen to it because the backing vox annoy me.

[Perpetual Burn]

Sadly, this EP seems to bring the best in their new album. I have to honestly say that their new album is such a disapointment...

[castoo]

It's kinda bad, I like everything but the single